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Holly Tree Sun Requirements
Holly Tree Sun Requirements. The holly tree species is quite diverse, offering varieties that can be grown successfully in medium shade, light shade or full sunlight. USDA Hardiness Planting Zones for these plants range from zones 5 through 9, with some holly trees being successfully grown in more than one planting zone. Likewise, certain holly...
The holly tree species is quite diverse, offering varieties that can be grown successfully in medium shade, light shade or full sunlight. USDA Hardiness Planting Zones for these plants range from zones 5 through 9, with some holly trees being successfully grown in more than one planting zone. Likewise, certain holly trees can grow successfully in more than one level of sunlight.
Zone 5
American holly and pedunculosa holly trees can be grown in the U.S. planting zone 5. This zone contains a variety of soil types and sun exposure levels, as well as temperature ranges. However, neither of these two varieties of holly can tolerate or thrive in alkaline soil. In addition, they both prefer a warmer climate, even though they can successfully live and grow in zone 5, according to "Garden Trees."
In zone 5, the coldest temperature typically that can be experienced is 20 degrees below zero, according to the University of Illinois Extension. In this zone, holly trees that can tolerate shade are best suited. That is the case with the American holly and pedunculosa holly trees, which will be able to tolerate light--to medium light--shade conditions and still grow successfully, according to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences' Department of Horticulture.
Zones 6-8
Since holly trees tend to prefer warmer climates, they typically thrive better in sunnier environs as well. USDA Hardiness Planting Zones 6 to 8 provide holly trees with the warmer climates they need to ensure that berries and flowers will be produced and be at their peak during the growing year. The English holly tree is one holly tree that benefits from sunnier climates. This tree also fares well in spite of industrial pollution and coastal conditions when receiving full sunlight in the warmer climate found in zones 6 to 8.
Zone 9
Holly trees that cannot tolerate shade at all--or cold temperatures--are best suited for growing in zone 9. One such type of holly tree, the purpurea holly tree, is in danger of defoliation if you try to grow it in harsh winter zones. Purpurea can't grow fruit and flowers successfully in colder temperatures either.
While other holly trees can grow successfully in zones 6 to 8, and with some shade conditions, they grow even better in zone 9, where ample sunlight and warmer climates make them not just grow, but thrive.
